Listening to radio on iPhone and Android

Choose a browser or an app deliberately

A browser is a useful starting point when you want to try a station through its page. An app may suit your usual listening routine, but compare its actual description and current requirements before installing it. Do not assume an app includes offline listening, vehicle integration or every station you know. Those features need explicit confirmation for the particular service and device. The right choice is the one that supports your everyday session.

Test what happens when the screen locks

Start a stream, confirm that you can hear it, then lock the screen briefly. If playback stops, reopen the browser or app and note whether the stream resumes. Background behaviour can depend on the software and device settings. Check relevant battery or background-activity settings without changing unrelated controls. A short test at home gives you more useful information than discovering the limitation halfway through a walk.

Follow the sound through Bluetooth

If the player appears active but you hear nothing, check where the phone is sending audio. A paired speaker, headphones or another connected device may be the selected output. Check volume on both the phone and the listening device. Disconnect Bluetooth briefly to test the phone's own speaker, then reconnect the intended accessory. This helps separate an audio-routing problem from a stream that is not loading.

Prepare for a mobile listening session

A working home connection does not tell you how a stream will behave throughout a journey. Plan for connection changes and check your data allowance. Test one station for a few minutes before committing to a long session, and make changes while stationary.

• Open the station using your preferred browser or installed app.
• Confirm the intended speaker or headphones are receiving the sound.
• Lock and unlock the screen to check whether playback continues.
• Check mobile-data use and try another stream if buffering persists.

Questions and answers

Can every radio app play offline?

Do not assume so. Live internet radio needs a connection. Any download or offline feature must be explicitly offered by the particular app for eligible content.

Why is playback silent while the timer moves?

The audio may be directed to a connected device, or one volume control may be muted. Check the selected output first, then compare another station if necessary.